More than 4,000 people have signed a petition calling on Canterbury City Council to scrap its "disgusting" parking charge plan for Seasalter seafront.

Beach-goers say they will stop visiting the secluded coastal spot if they are forced to pay fixed fees during the summer months.

The public outcry has, however, failed to change the ambitions of the local authority, which last week rubber-stamped its plan to enforce charges.

Between April and September, those parking up on the pothole-ridden loose stretch in Faversham Road will have to pay a fixed £3 tariff at weekends.

On weekdays, the fee - paid via the RingGo app - will stand at £1.60.

The 600-metre car park - used regularly by walkers wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of Whitstable - has always been free of charge.

Council leader Ben Fitter-Harding previously defended the payment plan, stressing that residents will not be priced out as the fees will be enforced between 10am and 4pm.

He says the beach is frequented by district residents early in the morning and in the evenings, rather than in the middle section of the day.

Having been approved by another committee last month, the charges were voted through at a meeting of the council's policy committee last Wednesday.

In an effort to calm the backlash, the authority is to make 12 spaces outside the Waldens of Seasalter shop free of charge for 30 minutes.

The spaces, however, are only meant to be used by those using the store and its coffee shop. The rest of the car park will have the blanket fixed rates.

An online petition set up by disgruntled beach-goer Paul Mayoh three weeks ago has amassed immense support.

It has gained almost 4,100 signatures, with people sharing their outrage at the council's "money-grabbing" policy.

Jane Hawkins - one of the thousands to support the change.org petition - said: "Been going there for 60 years. How dare they put a charge in place, disgusting."

In adding his signature, David Shaftoe wrote: "Access to natural areas that are good for our mind, body and spirit should not be priced out of reach.

"The toll on people's health will be added to the NHS. The pandemic has hit everyone's pockets and it is not fair to add more strain on our cost of living.

"This stretch of parking has virtually no maintenance costs and does not warrant parking charges when we locals pay council taxes."

'I'm sick.of being charged and ripped off for the basics of living...'

John Griffin said: "I'm sick of being charged and ripped off for the basics of living."

Despite their calls for a council rethink, the charges will be implemented this spring.

The authority admitted earlier this month that due to Seasalter's remoteness, it will be hard for traffic wardens to enforce and punish those who do not pay.